The Ocean Agency

Many people assume that creativity and humor are the only things that make a video, website, or application go viral. But Daniel Tenner gives us a much more strategic look at how to increase the virality of your apps. If you are looking to spread the word about your website, here are some tips to getting that viral loop started.

Although humor, creativity or just plain addictiveness makes apps more viral from the start, there are some simple strategies to draw users in and keep them coming back.

First, make inviting a core process. Of course, you want users to want to invite their friends to try your app, but you should encourage them at each visit by making inviting a core process, not just an initial one. And putting it front and center will encourage users to invite and share each time.

Secondly, persistence pays off. Tenner explains, “What this means is that you should not just send them one invitation and then wait for them to join. And once they’ve joined, you should not just wait for them to start using your system and inviting more users. You should keep sending useful communications and/or showing signs that will encourage people to use the system.”

Last, make sure your app benefits the user, even if their friends don’t sign up. Of course, you want them to– but the user should have some core benefit just from joining or using your app. In other words, “Even in applications like Twitter or LinkedIn, which are really all about the network effects, the fact that there is something meaningful for the user to do right away, even when they know nobody, is a huge plus.”

The article has even more ways to make your app spread like the plague, no matter what the idea behind it is. Check out these strategies and more at Daniel Tenner’s blog, and remember to wash your hands… Spread apps! Not swine flu!